Gramm-Rudman Budget Measure

It is apparent to me that the political climate of today is not in accord with The Times editorial (Dec. 20), “The Blade at Our Necks.”

The government sleigh ride for the last 50 years into socialistic militarism with bigger expenditures and deficits is repugnant to most of the non-governmental working people who pay most of the taxes. Thus, the Gramm-Rudman measure is a response to the strong demand for a balanced budget. Your editorial asks for more taxes now. The majority of the people want less taxes and smaller government. A re-evaluation of our priorities is in order.

By whose mandate is the United States the keeper of order for the world? For true defense, we must phase our troops out of Europe, and Korea and leave the Middle East factions to fight amongst themselves as they have been doing for the past 5,000 years. Defense costs paid by the countries requiring defense would result in tremendous savings to us, enabling us to concentrate on our own needs.

We can have true defense at less than half the dollars. An additional benefit would be that the countries paying for their home defense would be less able to subsidize their industries to compete unfairly with U.S. industries in the world markets.

How about eliminating the Department of Energy? Who needs it? Let our free enterprise oil companies develop the oil resources.

Save billions by abolishing the Department of Education. Local tax vouchers to parents placing their children in competitive private schools would completely revitalize our educational system. Ask any parent why he sends his child to a private school even though his tax dollars support public education.

Phase out and replace Social Security with private, actuarially sound programs. This would protect future generations from the burdensome financial loads they will assuredly rebel against in the face of the increasing longevity of our population.

Stop the runaway increases of government pensions, over-generous vacations, sick leaves, and holidays. Cut congressional junkets, franking, nepotism and padded expense accounts. Privatize public services.

The ways to cut and save are many, and they will be accomplished as the electorate becomes informed. This should be a function of The Times, not to make a recommendation for an increase of taxes.

DON ELLIS

Los Angeles